Chapter I: Declare This Dock Now Open, and That Henceforth It Is to Be (16)

"I have now laid my plan before you. I commend it to your
favourable consideration. A few words I would fain add to
prevent any misunderstanding of my intentions. I have not
brought you here to ask your aid for the support only of a
school calculated to advance music by giving the best
instruction continued over a course of years. This might be done
by strengthening existing schools. I have not brought you here
for the sole purpose of asking for assistance whereby to educate
young and deserving musicians. Such an institution is but a
branch of what I desire to found. My object is above and beyond
all this. I wish to establish an institution having a wider
basis and a more extended influence than any existing school or
college of music in this country. It will teach music of the
highest class; it will have a foundation for the education, and
in some cases for the free maintenance, of scholars who have
obtained by merit the right to such privileges. But it will do
more than this. It will be to England what the Berlin
Conservatoire is to Germany, what the Paris Conservatoire is to
France, or the Vienna Conservatoire to Austria--the recognised
centre and head of the musical world. Why is it that Germany,
France, Italy have national styles of music? Why is it that
England has no music recognised as national? It has able
composers, but nothing indicative of the national life or
national feeling. The reason is not far to seek. There is no
centre of music to which English musicians may resort with
confidence and thence derive instruction, counsel, and
inspiration. I hope by the breadth of my plan to interest all
present in its success. You who are musicians must desire to
improve your art, and such will be the object of the Royal
College. You who are only lovers of music must wish well to a
plan which provides for all classes of Her Majesty's subjects a
pleasure which you yourselves enjoy so keenly. To those who are
deaf to music, as practical men I would say thus much--to raise
the people, you must purify their emotions and cultivate their
imaginations. To satisfy the natural craving for excitement, you
must substitute an innocent and healthy mode of acting on the
passions for the fierce thirst for drink and eager pursuit of
other unworthy objects. Music acts directly on the emotions, and
it cannot be abused, for no excess in music is injurious.

"In laying this great national question before you, I have
followed the example of my father, by offering to place myself
at the head of a great social movement. I have asked you for
assistance, I await your answer with confidence. I am sure that
it will be worthy of the nation of which you are
representatives. To you, my Lords-Lieutenant, I would address
myself with an intimation that I trust you will assemble
meetings throughout your counties, for it is desirable that
contributions should be received from all parts of the country
as showing the interest taken by the people in music. My Lord
Mayor of London and other Mayors who are here,--I am sure I may
hope that you will assist me by presiding at assemblies of your
fellow-townsmen, and will urge them to contribute to so national
an institution. I may, I doubt not, look with confidence to the
representatives of the Church and of other religious and
educational denominations who have been good enough to attend
here, to remind their choirs and their flocks that any
contributions will be a grateful testimony that the population
of England are interested in improving an art which, more than
others, excites devotional feelings, and inspires with
enthusiasm public and private worship. From those who are
directly interested in music, either professionally or as
amateurs, I trust I have a right to expect the greatest measure
of assistance which they can afford; for on their behalf, and
with a view to extend the influence of the science to which they
are devoted, we are met here to-day for the purpose of
establishing a national central musical institution. I know the
loyalty of our Colonial brethren; they will not be behindhand in
aiding the mother country. From foreign countries I have ever
received so many tokens of regard and sympathy, that I may look
with confidence to them to give their support to an institution
the doors of which will be thrown open to all nations. One
practical observation in conclusion. I trust that those present
here to-day will each and every one of them from time to time
communicate to me the steps they are taking to procure
contributions, and will forward to the honorary secretaries the
amount of contributions they may receive. For my part, I will
take care, as soon as I am enabled to form some judgment of the
extent to which the nation will support this demand, to
communicate to the contributories and to the public the details
of the foundation and establishment of the College, of which I
have only set forth in my address the general outline."

The first resolution was proposed to the meeting by the Duke of Edinburgh, and seconded by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The speech of the Duke of Edinburgh was so clear and practical, supplementing and confirming that of the Prince of Wales, who has always generously attributed to his brother the initiation in this great national movement, which, however, could not have been carried out without the personal aid and influence of the Prince. He thus concluded:--

"I wish to express my own personal hope that the Royal College will not be a mere teaching institution, but will become a centre for groups of affiliated colleges, the members of which will, with the Council of the Royal College, form a musical senate, to which all questions of importance relating to music and musicians may be referred for determination. This may perhaps be deemed somewhat Utopian, but I do not despair of a time when the musical colleges throughout the country will ally themselves with the Royal College, and form a body united by a common tie and a general system. I will go one step further, though I do not conceal from myself that I am treading on somewhat delicate ground, and possibly trenching on the honoured privileges of the Universities; yet I will express my personal hope that, as London is the chief City of the United Kingdom, so the Royal College should be the chief musical college, invested with the power of conferring musical degrees, and the source from which all musical honours should legitimately flow.

"In proposing the first resolution, it only remains, my lords and gentlemen, for me to express my hope that the Prince of Wales will be supported on the present occasion earnestly and faithfully. A large sum of money is required for our enterprise. England is rich, and ready at all times to forward a worthy national undertaking. Why should I say England only, when we are assured of the generous support of our Colonial brethren, and when we trust that our American cousins will not be behind in furthering the foundation of an establishment which may act as a home to their musical students on this side of the Atlantic? The representatives of many foreign countries are here also. We look to them in many cases as examples in our new enterprise, and I feel sure that their kind advice and co-operation will not be wanting when we have occasion to seek them. I will now read the resolution intrusted to me:--

"'That this meeting approves of the proposal to establish a Royal College of Music as a national institution, and undertakes that meetings shall be called throughout the country, and the utmost exertions used, individually and collectively, to forward the movement by obtaining the necessary funds for founding and endowing a College of Music for the British Empire.'"

The speeches of the Archbishop of Canterbury, of the Earl of Rosebery, the Lord Mayor, and of Mr. Gladstone all touched upon points illustrating the importance of the movement, and the national benefits to be expected from it.

It is a wonder that no reference in this matter has been made to the great German reformer and patriot, Martin Luther, who was a strenuous advocate of State education, including music. He placed music as next to religion in the training of the young. He would have every schoolmaster a lover of music, and capable of teaching it. This training of teachers is one of the most important functions of the College, and should be steadily kept in mind.

When the thanks of the meeting had been moved, by Sir Stafford Northcote, to the Royal Chairman, and carried with acclamation,--

The Prince of Wales mentioned, in his reply, that "he had
received a touching letter from some one who had anonymously
sent £50 for the Royal College of Music--one whose earliest
recollection was the singing of the National Anthem on the
Coronation of the Queen, when as a poor lad he joined in the
procession of Sunday-school children."

Many munificent donations and subscriptions were announced, but none more touching and interesting than this.

THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC.

_March 23rd, 1882._

The meeting at St. James's Palace on the 28th of February, 1882, was followed up by other important, though subsidiary meetings, at the instance of the Prince of Wales, who was now fully set on the success of his grand scheme. As, formerly, he had been ably supported by the speeches of the Duke of Edinburgh, the lamented Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, and Prince Christian, at influential meetings in Manchester, so now he enlisted the Duke of Connaught in the cause, who addressed, with great ability and tact, a meeting of Merchants, Bankers, and leading men in the City, at the Mansion House, on the 20th of March, the Lord Mayor in the Chair.

Not satisfied with this, the Prince of Wales invited a large number of influential gentlemen connected with the Colonial Empire to meet him at Marlborough House, on Thursday, the 23rd of March, 1882, to consider what steps could be taken to secure the benefits of the Royal College of Music for all parts of the Empire. The record of the origin of this great institution would not be complete without giving the speech of His Royal Highness on that occasion. The following is the address delivered at that meeting:--

"You are, doubtless, aware of the efforts at present being made
to establish a Royal College of Music--a work which, I venture
to think, is one of national importance.

"It is intended to place the institution on a broad and liberal
basis; that its advantages shall not be confined to residents of
the United Kingdom, but be open to our fellow-subjects in all
parts of the Empire; and the gratuitous education of scholars,
selected by competition on the claim of merit only, will be one
of its principal features.

"The scheme has been received with marked favour throughout the
United Kingdom, but I should consider it wanting in one of its
main objects if I did not succeed in enlisting the sympathy and
co-operation of our fellow-subjects residing in the Colonial
portions of the Empire.

"I have on so many occasions experienced the advantages of their
ready and earnest concert in promoting schemes of public utility
in relation to material progress, that I have some confidence
they will exhibit the like friendly rivalry in furthering our
efforts in favour of an elevating pursuit, which in all ages and
among all communities has exercised no slight influence on
national character, and the promotion of which may constitute a
bond tending to unite us as strongly in sentiment and feeling as
we now are in loyalty and material interest.

"For these reasons I was anxious to meet as many of the leading
gentlemen connected with the Colonies as might now be
temporarily in London, as well as those who permanently reside
here; and I am gratified at the readiness with which so many of
you have acceded to my invitation.

"My object is partly to make it understood how much importance I
attach to the element of Colonial co-operation and sympathy, not
only as affecting the immediate success of the work, but bearing
on the higher objects of national unity, by inspiring among our
fellow-subjects in every part of the Empire those emotions of
patriotism which national music is calculated so powerfully to
evoke.

"I further desired to apprise you of the steps which had been
and were being taken to carry out this purpose.

"Immediately after the Meeting at St. James's Palace I directed
that full reports of the proceedings should be prepared, with
the view of transmitting them to Lord Kimberley, the Secretary
of State for the Colonies, to be forwarded by him for the
information of the Governments of the various Colonies, in the
hope that the good-will of these Governments might be attracted
in our favour, and such public encouragement afforded as they
might feel it becoming to extend.

"It seemed doubtful, however, whether an official communication
of this character was calculated to accomplish the full object
we had in view, viz. to stimulate popular feeling and sympathy
among our Colonial fellow-subjects. It was thought that such an
end might be better attained by a direct appeal to themselves
and by a more general distribution of the reports of our
proceedings among the various institutions, religious bodies,
heads of municipalities, and leading persons in the Colonies.

"I accordingly propose to supplement this communication by a
further letter, and to send a sufficient number of copies of our
proceedings to meet the necessary requirements, for transmission
to the Colonies.

"I am not insensible to the engrossing nature of the pursuits of
Colonial life, nor to the claims which material interests have
on young communities. We must all recognise with pride and
admiration how much the enlightened enterprise and perseverance
of our Colonial fellow-subjects have already contributed to the
greatness and wealth of the Empire; and I am far from suggesting
any relaxation of these efforts.

"My purpose is to provide for the leisure hours which must come
to the busiest among us--no matter where we live or what sphere
of life we occupy--an elevating source of enjoyment, which is at
the same time calculated to strengthen those emotions that have
so much influence in perpetuating a common love of country.

"I have endeavoured in my further letter to Lord Kimberley to
convey fully the object I have at heart; and, although its terms
are in some measure a repetition of what I have now stated to
you, I think it well you should be apprised of its contents:--

"'MY LORD,--I am anxious that no possible steps should be
omitted which may be calculated to bring the proposal to found a
Royal College of Music under the favourable notice of Her
Majesty's subjects in the Colonies.

"'It appears to me that the communication which I request you in
the accompanying letter to be good enough to transmit for the
information of the Governments of the various Colonies might
advantageously be supplemented by a somewhat more general
distribution within these Colonies of the proceedings which have
taken place here in connection with the movement.

"'The objects of such distribution would be to awaken public
interest among all classes of Her Majesty's subjects more
thoroughly than even proposals on the part of any of the
Colonial Governments to extend their practical aid are
calculated to do.

"'I have therefore directed further copies of these proceedings
to be transmitted to you, and would again request that you will
be good enough to forward these further copies, for distribution
among such religious or educational institutions, Municipal or
other Public Bodies, or private persons in the various Colonies,
as may be thought most likely to help the project.

"'I trust that the efforts now being made here may meet with
general support on the part of the Clergy of all denominations
in the Colonies, and that they, as well as the Heads of Colleges
and Municipal Bodies, may interest themselves in their several
localities to make known the advantages offered by the
establishment of the Royal College of Music, and especially that
all these advantages (including free instruction) will be open
as unreservedly to Her Majesty's Colonial subjects as to those
residing in the United Kingdom.

"'Her Majesty's Colonial subjects have indeed already shown that
the possession of musical talent exists among them in as great a
degree as in any other nation, for they may claim with pride
that they have produced one of the most accomplished vocalists
of the present age.

"'I have in past years had occasion in many ways--especially
through the medium of the various International Exhibitions over
which I have presided--to notice the manifold benefits which
have resulted from the combined action of the Colonies and the
Mother Country in the development of commerce and the
advancement of industrial and other material interests, and I
cannot but think that the friendly rivalry of all portions of
the Empire will not now be wanting in the effort to cultivate a
refined and elevating pursuit which in all ages and among all
nations has exercised so important an influence on national
character, and done so much to strengthen the common love of
country.

"'I have the more confidence in making this appeal, from the
readiness and public spirit which the Colonies have always
evinced to promote every object tending to strengthen the ties
that now so happily unite us.

"'Your Lordship will, I am sure, be glad to learn that I have
had the advantage of communicating with a number of gentlemen
resident in several of the Colonies, who are temporarily in
England, as well as with former Colonists permanently residing
here, and they have kindly undertaken by their individual
exertions to further the present more extended movement, which I
trust will also meet with your Lordship's encouragement and
approval.

"'I have the honour, &c.,

"'ALBERT EDWARD, P.'

"I have no doubt but that the different Colonial Governments
will exercise a judicious discretion in the use of these papers,
and that we may rely on their hearty co-operation and support in
applying them to the best advantage.

"If there are any gentlemen present who may think themselves
warranted by their connections with the Colonies in aiding to
insure a friendly reception of my communication there, it will
be a source of gratification both to me and my colleagues to
view such efforts, so entirely in unison with our own, and to
welcome them as fellow-workers in the same cause.

"I have thus endeavoured to place before you the object we have
in view, and the means by which we hope to accomplish it, and I
trust you will find both worthy of your support.

"I do not, therefore, presume to indicate the precise course
which it might be expedient to adopt in any of the Colonies,
believing that this had better be left to the practical sagacity
and zeal of our friends there, who must be considered to have
the best knowledge of what plans are most calculated to insure
local success. I have, however, thought that a brief reference
to some of the steps which are contributing to our success here,
as well as an enumeration, in a comprehensive form, of some of
the advantages which the College offers to Colonists, might be
attended with advantage, and, at all events, serve as a
groundwork for their operations.

"I have, accordingly, directed a memorandum in that sense to be
prepared, which will be forwarded, with the other papers, to the
proper quarter.

"In conclusion, I cannot but again express my cordial thanks to
the many gentlemen connected with the Colonies who have favoured
me with their attendance to-day, and repeat the expression of my
hope, not unmixed with a large measure of confidence, that your
encouragement and help may not be with-held from an undertaking
which may, I trust, in the fulness of time prove to be one more
of the many fibres in the silken cord that binds the Mother
Country to her Colonial offspring.

"I would finally say that we shall be most happy to receive any
practical suggestion from our Colonial friends either here or
resident in the Colonies."

Lord Kimberley said that, as Colonial Minister, he would give every assistance in his power, by forwarding papers and information. Private individuals in the Colonies might be willing to found scholarships, and have the nomination of students; but any response on the part of the Colonial Governments must be from their free and spontaneous action.

The Prince of Wales said, at the opening of his speech, that he deemed this work as "one of national importance." It is because of the high "imperial" tone and spirit of the address, a spirit which it is pleasant to witness in all the Prince's public actions, that there is especial interest attached to this meeting at Marlborough House in 1882.

INAUGURATION OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.

_May 7th, 1883._

The ceremony of inaugurating the Royal College of Music took place on the 7th of May, 1883, in the presence of a small but select company. The building, hitherto used by the National Training School of Music, has rooms amply sufficient for teaching purposes, but not large enough for a large assembly. By permission of Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851, the use of rooms in the Albert Hall for choral and instrumental practice was granted to the College.

The Prince, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Christian, was received by the Trustees, the Duke of Westminster, Lord Charles Bruce, Sir Richard Wallace, M.P., Sir John Rose, Sir George Grove, and the honorary secretary, Mr. Charles Morley. Among the company were many distinguished persons and eminent musicians. The Archbishop of Canterbury offered the following special prayer: "O God, who art the only author of order and beauty, Bless, we beseech Thee, this College to the perfecting of science and skill in Thy pure gift of Music; and grant that the good intent of its Founders may be so answered in the diligence and virtue of its students, that both the restful delight of man, and the glory of the Divine worship may be enhanced ever more and more; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen."

The collect, "Prevent us, O Lord," and the Lord's Prayer, closed the religious service. Sir George Grove, Director, then said: "It is now almost exactly fourteen months since your Royal Highness held the remarkable meeting which assembled at St. James's Palace on the 28th of February, 1882, and in which your proposition of the Royal College of Music was launched on the country. It may well be called remarkable--first, because of the place in which it was held; secondly, because of the lucid and exhaustive statement which your Royal Highness vouchsafed to address to it; thirdly, because for the first time in English history music was taken out of the domain of personal and professional questions to which it is too often relegated, and placed upon that national basis which its social and civilising powers entitle it to demand. Your Royal Highness's hearers embraced many of the most distinguished English musicians of the day, but these were not the main constituents of the meeting. The bulk of your audience consisted of the representatives of the counties, cities, and towns of England, the lords lieutenant, mayors, and town clerks of the United Kingdom, while surrounding your Royal Highness on the platform were His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the leader of the Government, the leader of the Opposition, the head of the Established Church, an eminent Scotch peer, and the Lord Mayor of London. A meeting so truly national in its aspect gave, if I may use a not inappropriate figure, the key-note of the movement.

"The hope so long entertained by your Royal Highness, and your advisers, that the chief existing musical institution of the country would join your movement, was unfortunately dissipated. But the absence of the Royal Academy of Music from your Royal Highness's project was counterbalanced by the active adherence of the towns and cities of the country which through their municipal officers, with hardly an exception, rallied as if by instinct round a movement so boldly conceived and so happily inaugurated. The key-note thus struck at St. James's Palace resounded through the country, and met with a ready and harmonious response. Meetings were speedily organised by the lords lieutenant and mayors in the provinces. In the short period of fourteen months forty-four meetings have been held--from Exeter, Plymouth, and Hastings, in the South, to Newcastle-on-Tyne in the North; from Swansea and Shrewsbury, on the one hand, to Lincoln and Norwich on the other; while the great manufacturing and commercial centres of Nottingham, Leicester, Leeds, Bradford, Liverpool, and Blackburn, have all testified their interest in your Royal Highness's new institution. In the City of London several meetings were held at the Mansion House, and a remarkable gathering of provincial mayors, under the sympathetic presidency of Sir. J. Whittaker Ellis, the then Lord Mayor, gave your Royal Highness an opportunity of again enforcing your views upon your audience. By these meetings, and by the personal exertions of your Royal Highness and your illustrious brothers, a sum of money, amounting to over £110,000, has been raised, of which nearly £5000 was due to the gracious action of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales."

Sir George Grove announced "the foundation already of many scholarships for tuition, fifteen of which include maintenance. Four of the scholarships were founded by private liberality, and two by Australian benefactors." He then announced "the names of the professors selected by the Prince of Wales for the teaching of the College, who were such as to give assurance as in the quality and range of the instruction. The piano is in the hands of Mr. Pauer, Madame Arabella Goddard, Mr. Franklin Taylor, and Mr. John Francis Barnett. To forward our interests, Madame Lind-Goldschmidt has emerged from her retirement, and singing will be taught by her, Mr. Deacon, and Signor Visetti. The violin is in the charge of Mr. Henry Holmes and Mr. Gompertz; the organ of Mr. Walter Parratt. Counterpoint and composition are taught by Dr. Bridge, Mr. Villiers Stanford, and Dr. Hubert Parry; while among the professors of other instruments are the honoured names of Harper, Lazarus, Thomas, and other ornaments of the English school. Declamation will be specially cared for, and for this the names of Mrs. Kendal and Mrs. Arthur Stirling are sufficient guarantee.

"The competition," continued Sir George Grove, "which has taken place throughout the country for the fifty scholarships is in itself an ample proof, if proof were needed, of the justness of your Royal Highness's idea. Following the method adopted in launching the institution, your Royal Highness appealed to the mayors, corporations, and Local Boards throughout the country, and in the Metropolitan districts to the Vestries, to make known the fact of the competition, and to organise the preliminary examinations, selecting the examiners from the must eminent local musicians. The result was as successful as might have been anticipated. The municipal buildings were put at the disposal of the College, and the best musicians were prompt to give their services as honorary local examiners to a task which in many cases involved great labour and severe sacrifice. Throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland 1588 candidates sent in their names as competitors. Of these 480 were sent up to the final examination, which was conducted personally in this building by the various professors in sections; and, lastly, before the entire Board of Professors and myself as Director. The result was the unanimous election of seventeen scholars for the pianoforte, thirteen for singing, eight for the violin, six for composition, two for the violoncello, one for the organ, one for the clarionet, one for the flute, and one for the harp. In addition to the fifty scholars, forty-two persons have entered their names as paying students in the College. Time will not allow me more than an allusion to various acts of private generosity by which the College has benefited. Prominent among them is the gift of the library of the late Sacred Harmonic Society, through Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, and various other gifts of pianos, furniture, &c., by Sir Charles Freake, Messrs. Broadwood, Messrs. Erard, Messrs. Chappell, Messrs. Holland, Feetham, and others. The professors, scholars, and students are awaiting your Royal Highness's notice at the close of these proceedings, and I trust your Royal Highness will believe that we are all alike animated by a sincere and enthusiastic desire to carry out to the full those wise and gracious designs which have brought us to this first step in our career. That your Royal Highness may long live to preside over us and guide us in the right path is, Sir, our humble and earnest hope and prayer."

The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:--

"I have heard your address with pleasure, and I feel great
gratification in opening to-day the Royal College of Music, in
the promotion of which I have taken so deep an interest. I avail
myself of this, the first public opportunity that has offered
itself, of expressing the deep personal gratification I feel at
the manner in which the country has replied to my appeal for aid
in establishing the College. There is no class of Her Majesty's
subjects capable of affording assistance to which I have
addressed myself in vain. The Corporation of London and the
London companies have led the way in giving pecuniary
assistance; and I owe a debt of gratitude to the Mayors
throughout the kingdom for the valuable aid they have afforded
by granting facilities for holding local examinations essential
to the proper selection of scholars. I thank these great bodies
for their services, and I trust that I may yet expect from them
further help in completing the task so auspiciously begun. I
thank the donors of scholarships for their liberality. I thank
the general public for the sums they have subscribed at a time
when agriculture has been depressed and the prospects of trade
have not been encouraging; and, above all, I thank the many kind
friends who have responded so cordially and liberally to my
appeal for assistance. I have noticed also with the greatest
pleasure the contributions for Colonial scholarships that have
been given by two eminent colonists, the one on behalf of the
colony of Victoria, and the other on behalf of the colony of
South Australia. The object I have in view is essentially
Imperial as well as national, and I trust that ere long there
will be no colony of any importance which is not represented by
a scholar at the Royal College.

"Much, indeed, has been done, but I am aware that much remains
to be done. I am conscious that I may be thought to have taken a
bold step in beginning so great an enterprise with only the
resources at present at my command. But I am unwilling that any
delay should take place in giving effect to the generous
intentions of those who have already contributed so liberally. I
am sanguine enough to think that the example set during the last
year by corporate bodies, representatives of the colonies,
private donors, and the general public will be followed in
ensuing years. Ours is an institution which admits of almost
indefinite extension, for, wherever a scholarship is founded, we
know now that we shall find a deserving candidate to hold it.

"Let me now pass to an account of what has been actually
accomplished. Fifty scholarships have been established, of which
thirty-five confer a free education in music, and fifteen
provide not only a free education, but also maintenance for the
scholars. Of these scholarships half are held by boys and half
by girls. I observe with pleasure that the various districts
from which the scholars are drawn indicate the widespread
distribution of a taste for music, and an adequate cultivation
of music throughout the United Kingdom. London, with its vast
population, sends only twelve out of the fifty. The remaining
thirty-eight come as follows:--twenty-eight from fourteen
different counties in England, two from Scotland, six from
Ireland, one from Wales, and one from Jersey. The occupations of
the scholars are as various as the places from which they come.
I find that a mill-girl, the daughter of a brickmaker, and the
son of a blacksmith take high places in singing, and the son of
a labourer in violin playing.

"The capacity of these candidates has been tested by an
examination of unusual severity. Each of these scholars who
returns to his native place furnished with the highest
instruction in music will form a centre from which good musical
education will spread around; while those who obtain musical
engagements elsewhere will stimulate and encourage by their
success the cultivation of music in the places whence they have
come. Surely, then, it is not too much to expect that many years
will not pass away before our College has so popularised music
as to place England on a par with those countries on the
Continent which have acquired the distinction of being called
musical people.

"I feel, then, that one great object of a College of Music has
been secured--namely, the discovery of latent musical ability
and the extension to those who, with great natural gifts, have
been blessed with little of this world's goods, of the
opportunity of obtaining instruction in music, to say the
least, not inferior to any which this kingdom can afford. That
these words are not the language of exaggeration will be
apparent to those who read the names of the eminent staff who
have placed their services at the disposal of the College. Side
by side with these scholars will be educated a group of paying
pupils, who think that music is an art which, if worth studying
at all, is worth studying well. They are, then, prepared to
enter on a systematic course of instruction, of less severity
and continuance than that of the scholars, but still far removed
from the musical dilettantism of those who, induced by fashion,
not by taste, to study music, make progress enough to torment
themselves and distract their friends.

"I lay great store by the meeting of the various classes of
society in pursuit of a common yet elevating study. Such a union
softens asperities, inspires kindly feeling between various
classes, and proves that all mankind are akin when engaged in an
art which gives the highest expression to some of the best and
purest feelings of the human heart.

"The observations I have hitherto made relate only to the Royal
College of Music in its character of a teaching body. It is not
proposed, however, that the functions of the College should be
restricted to teaching. The charter under which we are
incorporated provides that the council are to cause examinations
to be held of pupils of the College, and of other persons who
may present themselves for examination, and after examination to
confer on those who deserve such distinctions the degrees of
Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Music,
certificates of proficiency, and other rewards. I propose that
this power should be exercised by an independent board of
examiners chosen by the Royal College in conjunction with the
Universities, and after consultation with the great musical
authorities of the United Kingdom. I trust thus to secure an
examining body whose impartiality will be above suspicion and
capacity beyond all question. I hope thus, through the
instrumentality of the Royal College, to raise the standard of
music throughout the United Kingdom and to create a central
influence which may be beneficially exercised over all
music-teaching bodies who recognise the advantage of a common
system of examination.

"Beyond and above all this I trust, as I stated on a previous
occasion, that the College will become the recognised centre and
head of the musical world in this country. It has been a
reproach to England that, with her vast resources, her large
benevolence, her eagerness to instruct all classes of society in
other branches of knowledge, one thing has hitherto been
wanting--a national institution for music. Yet music is in the
best sense the most popular of all arts. If that government be
the best which provides for the happiness of the greatest
number, that art must be the best which at the least expense
pleases the greatest number. I trust that to-day we have removed
the reproach. England, by a national subscription, has acquired
an institution worthy to be called national, and with the
establishment of such an institution we may look forward with
confidence to the creation of a national school of music.
England has the composers already; all she wants is a general
centre, such as a Royal College of Music, to which they may
resort for mutual aid and common inspiration.

"Such are the aims, not mean nor ignoble aims, proposed for the
College which we open to-day. It remains for you, gentlemen of
the council, to be careful that the aims are fully realised. A
young institution requires fostering care and constant
supervision. You must not relax your efforts, no pains must be
spared to gain fresh support and obtain the establishment of new
scholarships. We want much; we are, I trust, entitled to ask for
much of the public. In addition to scholarships we want more
extended premises, a music-hall, lodgings for our scholars,
houses for masters, and all the appurtenances of a great
College. I am sure I may trust to the generosity of the public
to supply these wants; but you, gentlemen, must by your careful
supervision make our institution worthy of support, and no
efforts of mine shall be wanting to secure the objects we have
in view.

"I will say only one word in conclusion. The establishment of an
institution such as I open to-day is not the mere creation of a
new musical society. The time has come when class can no longer
stand aloof from class, and that man does his duty best who
works most earnestly in bridging over the gulf between different
classes which it is the tendency of increased wealth and
increased civilisation to widen. I claim for music the merit
that it has a voice which speaks, in different tones, perhaps,
but with equal force, to the cultivated and the ignorant, to the
peer and the peasant. I claim for music a variety of expression
which belongs to no other art, and therefore adapts it more than
any other art to produce that union of feeling which I much
desire to promote. Lastly, I claim for music the distinction
which is awarded to it by Addison--that it is the only sensuous
pleasure in which excess cannot be injurious. What, more,
gentlemen, can I say on behalf of the art for the promotion of
which we are to-day opening this institution--an institution
which I trust will give to music a new impulse, a glorious
future, and a national life? Before I quit this room a further
duty devolves on me--a most gratifying one, I admit. I am called
upon to announce a most gracious act by which the Queen has been
pleased to mark her interest in the opening of the Royal
College. Her Majesty authorises me to say that she proposes to
confer the honour of knighthood on Professor Macfarren and Dr.
Sullivan. If anything could add to my satisfaction in making
this statement it is this, that these honours are bestowed by
the advice of the Prime Minister, who has taken so kind an
interest in the promotion of the Royal College, and who could
have devised no better mode of celebrating its opening than by
recommending that honour should be done on this occasion to
music by conferring knighthood on men so celebrated in their art
as Professor Macfarren and Dr. Sullivan, and that honour should
be done to our college by awarding a like distinction to its
director, Dr. Grove, who, eminent in general literature, has
specially devoted himself to the preparation and publication of
a dictionary of music, and has earned our gratitude by the skill
and success with which he has worked in the difficult task of
organising the Royal College. I have only to add that the Prime
Minister (Mr. Gladstone) by his presence to-day proves that
neither the cares of State, nor the overwhelming press of
business by which he is surrounded, prevents him from giving
personal countenance to a national undertaking which, if I am
right in what I have said, is calculated to advance the
happiness and elevate the character of the English people."

The Royal College of Music, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1883, is now one of the established institutions of the Empire. There lies before us the Report of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Corporation, with Report of the Council and other official documents and statements. This meeting was held at the Concert Hall of the Alexandra House, adjoining the College, on Tuesday, July 24th, 1888, Prince Christian, K.G., one of the Vice-Presidents, in the chair. There was a very large attendance of the Council, members of the Corporation, teachers and pupils of the College. The Report of the Council was of the most satisfactory nature. The progress of the pupils has been very encouraging, and the discipline and efficiency of the College thoroughly well maintained. The number of foundation scholars at the end of April, 1888, was fifty-nine. Its number of paying students on the books at the same date, was 170, an increase of 24, during the preceding twelve months. These students were in various years of their training. The total number of pupils was 229.

The Examiners, Mr. W. G. Cusins, Sir Charles Hallé, Mr. C. H. Lloyd, Mr. A. Randegger, Mr. Carl Rosa, and Mr. Prosper Sainton, gave a most favourable report of steady progress, especially by the students of stringed instruments, piano, and organ. As an educational institution, the Royal College has already proved itself able to exert a powerful influence on the condition of musical art in this country.

The results of examinations and competitions were then given in detail, and various incidents of the year were recorded, including visits of Dr. Joachim and Dr. Hans Richter, who delighted the pupils by their presence and their performing. Various changes in the teaching staff were announced. The finances of the College are in good state, the available balance at the close of the year being nearly £2484, a clear increase during the past year of nearly £470. Various donations and benefactions were reported, but the great event of the meeting--which H.R.H. Prince Christian announced with a cheerful emphasis, in keeping with the warm interest he has always taken in the College--this was the generous gift of £30,000 by Mr. Samson Fox, for a building worthy of the institution; met by Her Majesty's Commissioners of 1851 by the grant of a site on their estate at South Kensington.

We must not give more space to this subject of the Royal College of Music. Those who wish further information must apply to the Secretary or Director of the College. In connection with the present volume it only remains to congratulate His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on the successful accomplishment of a work, which is an honour to the reign of Queen Victoria, and will be of perennial benefit to the British Empire.

GENERAL INDEX.

A.

Aberdeen, Earl of, 338

Abolition of Slavery, Jubilee of the, 252

Adult Orphan Institution, 201

Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Royal, 175

---- Society of England, Royal, 298

---- Society of Norfolk, 132

---- Show at Dublin, 122

Albany, The Duke of, 215, 272

Albert Hall, Opening of the Royal, 107

---- Medal, 103

---- Statue at Cambridge, Unveiling, 190

---- Statue, Unveiling the Holborn, 145

Alexandra Dock at Lynn, Inauguration of, 73

---- Home, 350

America, Visit to, 7, 212

Ancient Britons, Society of, Annual Dinner, 1867, 44

Anglo-Danish Exhibition, 347

Anti-Slavery Society, Meeting in Guildhall, 252

Argyll, The Duke of, 244

Arrow, Sir Frederick, 377, 381

Arthur, Prince, 122

Artists' Benevolent Institution, 111

---- Orphan Fund, 111

Art Treasures, Manchester, 1857, 4

Ashantee Expedition, The return of the, 148

Australasian Colonies, 212

Austria, The Emperor of, 165

B.

Baker, Sir Samuel, 69

Battle of Dorking, 121

Beaumont Trustees, 296

"Belgians," The "King of the," 377

Benson, Mr. (now Archbishop), 29

Beresford, Lord Charles, 137, 292

Boust, Count, 165

Birkbeck Institution, opening of the new building, 272

Birkbeck, Sir Edward, 229, 232

Birkenhead, 286

Birmingham, 351

----, Visit to, in 1874, 156

Bingley Hall, Exhibition at, 156

Blackburn, New Technical and Trades' School, 345

Bolton Town Hall, 351

Bombay Durbar, The, 184

Bramwell, Sir F., 291

Bright, Mr., 381

_Britannia_, The training ship, 195

British and Foreign Bible Society, The Laying of the Foundation Stone, 33

British Orphan Anniversary Festival, 15

British Orphan Asylum Festival, The, 146

---- ---- ----, speech, 14

Bruce, General, 5

Buccleuch, The Duke of, 120

Buckingham, Duke of, 247

Buckland, Frank, 233

Buckstone. Mr., 92

Buxton, M.P., Mr. E. N., 189